Pressure cooker bomb scare prompts evacuation of nearby Concord homes

CONCORD — A suspected pressure cooker bomb placed next to a fuel pump at a Loudon Road gas station prompted the evacuation of nearby homes and businesses and the closure of a section of Loudon Road Friday night, authorities said Saturday.

Police were called to the Mobil gas station at 110 Loudon Road about 10 p.m. Friday. The state police explosive disposal unit was called to the scene.

Authorities deemed the item to be a small deep fryer and not a pressure cooker bomb, authorities said Saturday. Police are continuing to investigate.